Overview

Leica M0.8 lenses combine the look and character of Leica’s legendary M glass (which featured a unique interpretation of light, skin tones, and color) and the ability to use these compact lenses in cinematic applications. The M0.8 lenses feature a smooth iris rotation and larger 0.8 module / 32 pitch gear rings for focus and iris. CW Sonderoptic redesigned the mechanics to work seamlessly with cine accessories.

The M 0.8 lens family includes 5 focal lengths:

21mm f/1.4

24mm f/1.4

28mm f/1.4

35mm f/1.4

50mm f/0.95 Noctilux

Where the lenses will really make their mark is in the look that they will deliver to all cameras regardless of sensor size. Gerhard Baier, Managing Director of CW Sonderoptic, said, “The character of the Leica M 0.8 lenses is truly unlike anything else in the cinema world at this time. The way they render light and the way they treat skin tones and highlights and focus roll off – they have an emotional tone that is almost impossible to put into words. We are very excited to bring this new opportunity for creativity to the industry.”

Analog Look

The Leica M 0.8 lenses are not vintage yet their image profile preserves some of what has been lost in modern lens design. Their subtle, center-weighted field of focus and curving focus roll off creates a dimensionality which sets Leica M lenses apart from more advanced optics. CW Sonderoptic labels advanced optics in other lenses as precise to the point of boring. Clearly, you would prefer exceptional imagery which is why you’re researching these lenses.

Natural Depth

Modern lenses pop into focus in a flat and layered manner which can be jarring or appear unrealistic by drawing attention. The Leica M 0.8 lenses roll into focus on a curve that more accurately recreates natural perception and the imperfection of the natural world. This creates images which feel different and dimensional; images appear satisfying on a subconscious level.

Big Images from Small Lenses

Designed for full frame (24x36mm) sensors and film stocks, the M0.8 lenses will cover larger sensors such as RED’s DRAGON 8K VistaVision, the Sony a7 series, and the Leica SL. Smaller sensor cameras (like Super35 and S35+) will benefit from using more of the sweet spot of the lens. With weights ranging from 320g (0.7 lb) to 700g (1.5 lb) Leica M0.8 lenses are an ideal option for weight-conscious configurations on drones or gimbals. Their short length - from 5.8cm (2.3 inches) to 7.7cm (3 inches) - lends them to compact camera work and tight spaces.

The Leica M 0.8 line of lenses consists of 5 focal lengths from 21mm to 50mm. These lenses are among the smallest lenses that can be used with cine accessories on professional cameras. They open up new worlds for compact cameras, drones, gimbal work, and underwater camera configurations.

Best of the Best

These lenses are purpose-built, assembled, and calibrated on the regular Leica M line at Leica Camera in Wetzlar, Germany. Like the other M family lenses, the M0.8 lenses use the best components available. Each piece of glass is hand-selected and undergoes 3-4 times as much cleaning as traditional M lenses to assure performance.

The new M0.8 gear rings are custom-made for each focal length. They are anodized, fitted, and calibrated to match the rest of the lens housing.

The M0.8 lenses retain the existing Leica M mount, which is necessary to maintain their compact size. RED’s DSMC and DSMC2 designs allow the use of a Leica M Mount on all of their cameras with interchangeable mounts (including: SCARLET, EPIC, WEAPON 6K, WEAPON 8K VV and HELIUM 8K). A modified OLPF will be required for RED cameras and is available directly from CW. Adapters are also widely available for Sony E and FZ mount cameras (including the Sony a7 series, FS5, FS7, F5 and F55). The lenses work well on the Leica SL camera which shoots high quality 4K and HD video.